I have a consultation and need advice.

I have a consultation with a doc on March 8th, am not sure what to expect. Is there anything that will be out of the ordinary? Too hard to answer? Unable to do? etc. I finally have insurance that covers this type of surgery, but am almost afraid to pursue, because of failure. Does that make sense? Here I am, looking and looking for a different job that has good insurance, I find it and all of a sudden I am afraid of being turned down by insurance. I'm usually not such a baby, but I think that I'm afraid that if I am rejected that will be the end of my journey. You would think I would be happy, but I'm just afraid. Has anyone else felt like this? lol Kelly

Kelly- I was in your shoes just days ago.... I live in Oregon - home of record high unemployment- was unemployed for 2.4 years... tried to get WLS via state medicaid program- denied... took job that pays just over minimum wage just to get the medical benefits....been working at job since 9/17/03- benefits kicked in 1/1/04.....I had my Surgical Consultation with Dr David Lauter of Kirkland, Washington on Wednesday 2/11/04... mind you his office and the hospital where he practices are 195 miles from where I live... I live in Portland, Oregon, but the demand for WLS is so high here that just to get a consult may take several months .....I feel I have waited more than long enough, am well informed about WLS process, etc, and took a shortcut.....Glad now that I did - the surgeon and his staff are awesome.......I want WLS badly enough that I have decided that the end justifies the means....the consult went wonderfully, I went to a seminar at the hospital later that evening, and I am now waiting for approval for the surgery...I was advised that typically it takes 3 to 6 weeks to get approval from my insurance and to HAVE THE SURGERY! ......... All I can say is this: DO YOUR RESEARCH,BE PROACTIVE IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN, IT IS POSSIBLE. Use the info on this website (and others like it) to find out which Insurers in your area cover the surgery and then read the info from "enrollies" here talking about their experiences with that carrier.... If you already have the coverage, call the Benefits dept and find out if the surgery is covered...I really recommend following the steps outlined in 'MY JOURNEY" it is a blueprint to success, it will tell you exactly what you need to do, records you need to gather, what to ask your prospective surgeon at Consult, etc....Don't be afraid to ask questions of the surgeon, he/she will appreciate your concern and be happy to answer them.... Plus it shows you have done your homework... this is major surgery, with major risks.. above all it is LIFE CHANGING, be sure you know the road you are about to travel...Utilize this message board, and the main board too...Most of all - GOOD LUCK, You can do it if its what you really want....

Thank you so much for responding. It is so nice to know that there are people in the same shoes as I am. I really want this and will research as much as possible. Good luck with your quest.

Hi Kelly - I was a self pay so I have no insurance advice for you ... but I am wishing you a speedy trip through the insurance hoops... I see you are from Glide.. I grew up in Glide... have you been going to any of the support meetings in Roseburg? Are you using a local Dr?

Kelly - First, congratulations on getting insurance that covers! Yay for you! I can understand your fears. I have been full of them, and even though I'm only 3 weeks away from a new life, I'm finding myself disbelieving it even now....and I have my tickets and hotel accomodations all ready to go. Some doctors will want you to try to lose weight before the surgery. Some don't. I know Dr. Flanagan in Eugene does. Not sure about Tersigni in Coos Bay. Mirande in Klamath Falls does not. But they all want to know your dieting history and need to be able to show your insurance that you have given it your best. Some insurances can be tough and require you to be on a doctor supervised diet for 6 months or so. It's all just a way to stall you off, if you ask me. But you jump through the hoops and you do what you have to in order to get what you need. Good luck - and although this isn't the busiest board around, it is helpful and encouraging. Keep coming back as you go through this process! Dina

Thanks Dina, all the encouragement from everyone has been great. I am so anxious. I feel like I am obsessing about the insurance and whether they will cover, so it's nice to know that other people have been through or are going through the process and I can ge good advice. Gods Speed for the 3 weeks to fly by. Kelly

Hi Kelly, I have an appointment to see Dr Hansen in Roseburg on the 26th. He was recommended by a friend that has lost 150 pounds in 11 months. You are so lucky to have insurance that pays. Both of mine say that it isn't covered but I am having the consult and am going to at least try a pre-auth for it. Looks like I might have to be searching Mercy Medical Center's help wanted to get it covered, LOL. Good Luck! Were you from Myrtle Creek? Amy